Massive relief efforts for fire-affected J&K village

Srinagar, Oct 23 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has ordered his ministerial colleagues and senior officers to airdash to Margi village in Wadwan area of Kishtwar district where a major fire broke out last night, destroying 160 residential houses and 100 cowsheds besides wounding about 100 people.

On Mr Azad's instructions, the state administration requisitioned two MI-17 helicopters from the Air Force at Jammu for undertaking massive relief efforts for the victims.

Besides senior officers, 100 tents, 240 blankets, emergency medicines, 25 sleeping bags and teams of doctors and para-medical staff have been flown to the fire ravaged village.

District Development Commissioner, Kishtwar, Shahid Inayat and Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, Mumtaz Ahmed have also rushed to the spot to supervise the relief measures.

The Chief Minister has asked his ministerial colleagues Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed and Prem Sagar Aziz to fly tomorrow morning to the village and ensure adequate relief to the victims.

A team of top officers, including Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Sudhanshu Pandey and Director Health Services, Jammu, Dr Jasvir Singh besides doctors and para-medical staff would accompany the two Ministers. The state police is also dispatching 400 tents for the fire victims.

Mr Azad expressed deep shock and grief over the tragic fire incident and conveyed his heartfelt sympathies with the victims. He has directed the health authorities to provide best possible medical help to the wounded and wished them speedy recovery.

UNI